Age: 17 (Grade 11)
School: Surrey Schools

What was your experience with science fairs?

Last year, I participated in the South Fraser Regional Science Fair for the first time after discovering it through an Instagram post — which immediately sparked my interest. Before that, I didn’t even know science fairs existed!

Although balancing school, research, and independent exploration was a challenge, participating opened up incredible opportunities for me. My first year, I advanced to the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) and earned a Bronze Medal, which was an amazing experience and inspired me to continue.

This year, I returned to CWSF and earned Silver — a milestone that pushed me to keep learning and growing. Overall, science fairs have been a fantastic way to challenge myself, connect with others, and expand my understanding of science beyond the classroom.

What was your inspiration behind the project you are going to the Canada-Wide Science Fair with?

My project, “Antibiotic Resistance in S. aureus: Effects of Quorum Sensing Inhibition and DNA Fragmentation,” investigates antibiotic resistance in bacteria known for developing resistance to treatments. Using a dual-strategy approach, I combined conventional and natural compounds to analyze DNA fragmentation and resistance patterns.

My inspiration came from a personal experience — my mom developed a leg infection that kept worsening despite multiple antibiotic treatments. Seeing that struggle firsthand made me want to understand why antibiotic resistance happens and explore scientific ways to combat it.

What was your experience like at CWSF?

It has been amazing, and returning this year was truly an honour. The best part was connecting with like-minded students who share the same drive and curiosity. Everyone supports one another, and that sense of community has been one of the most rewarding aspects.

The experience inspired me to dive deeper into my passion for STEM and explore new opportunities within the field. Beyond the awards, the learning and relationships I’ve gained have been incredibly meaningful.

Note: Sreya received six entrance scholarships to university and a Silver Excellence Award in the Senior category for her project this year.

What other projects are you working on this year?

I’m currently brainstorming new topics within biomedical science, but I plan to continue expanding my current project — improving its methodology and exploring related areas within antibiotic resistance and treatment precision.

What advice would you give to students participating in science fairs for the first time this year?

Focus on narrowing your area of interest. Science is a huge field, so take time to explore and find what excites you most. If you’re unsure, start by reading and exploring different topics — that’s how I discovered my interest in cancer and bacterial research.

If one area doesn’t grab your attention, try another angle within the same field. For example, if studying genetic mutations doesn’t excite you, explore current therapies or real-world medical challenges instead. Defining your focus will help you create a project that’s both meaningful and motivating.

What are your future plans, and where do you plan to take your projects?

I plan to enhance antibiotic delivery systems to reduce resistance more efficiently and improve treatment precision and patient outcomes. My long-term goal is to contribute to medical innovation by developing solutions that make healthcare more effective and adaptable.

I also plan to pursue a STEM degree at university, where I can build the technical skills to advance my research and bring these ideas to life.

Lastly, I encourage students to reach out to professors or researchers — even if it feels intimidating. Cold emailing can open unexpected doors. Taking the initiative to connect and ask questions can lead to mentorship, lab opportunities, and valuable experience that goes far beyond the classroom.